The character, famously brought to life on the screen by Hollywood legend Gregory Peck, tops the American Film Institute's list of all-time cinema heroes - beating the swashbuckling likes of Indiana Jones and James Bond.

But actor Colin Boldra, who plays Finch in the Free Rain Theatre Company production of To Kill A Mockingbird opening in Canberra tonight, sees a different side to the hero.

Hoggart said that while the story's treatment of racism might seem a little dated, another theme - the children's loss of innocence - still had great impact.

''It's told from the perspective of Scout: throughout the course of the play she realises everything is not as black and white as she thought it was,'' Hoggart said.

Kenyan-born David Kinyua, 22, makes his Canberra stage debut as the accused man, Tom Robinson. A student at Australian National University, Kinyua said that, despite some of the harsh language directed at his character, Tom was ''a fun role to play''.

To Kill A Mockingbird is on at the Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre, on October 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and November 1, 2, 3 at 8pm with a 5pm show on October 28 and 2pm shows on November 3 and 4. Tickets are $35 full, $30 concessions, $28 matinees and twilight shows. Bookings: 6275 2700.